The UK economy will lose £18 billion if the current restrictions on international travel extend into the summer, says a group of MPs.
The Telegraph said that research by the all-party group on the future of aviation estimated that the fall in international visitors would cost at least £7.5 billion in lost income to shops, restaurants, hotels and tourist destinations.
Meanwhile, outbound travel is expected to see “a hit of at least £10.5 billion”.
Henry Smith, the Conservative MP who chairs the group, said Boris Johnson needed to set a clear timetable for opening up travel in his roadmap speech on Monday (February 22) along with financial support for the industry.
He told the Telegraph: “Our aviation, travel and tourism industries have faced the hardest 12 months in their history and have been devastated by a collapse in passenger numbers and delays to the promised recovery package.
“These figures lay bare the brutal reality that without further financial support and a clear pathway out of the restrictions, these industries who are already running on empty will be left in a battle for survival.
“The pandemic has been disastrous for our aviation, travel and tourism sectors and the consequences of a lost summer season will be beyond devastating not only to the businesses involved, but their employees, their communities and the UK economy as a whole.
“That is why it is so vital that the Government meet this challenge through a clear roadmap out of the restrictions and bring forward a serious and significant package of support that protects these essential industries for the challenging months ahead.”